5 venues in Africa that could host Lewis Hamilton’s long-standing F1 dream

Thanks to the advent of digital media and hassle-free broadcasts, Formula 1 has become extensively popular around the world, including the African continent. Despite all these developments, the continent has not hosted a race for the past three decades.

F1 did used to have races in Africa at one point, but that is in the distant past now. With no direct link to F1 races anytime soon, motorsport officials in African countries from Morocco to South Africa to Rwanda, and Lewis Hamilton, F1's only Black driver, have been actively pushing for a race.

Below are five venues where F1 can make a potential entry into the African continent:

#5 Prince George, South Africa

The Prince George Circuit in East London, South Africa was the venue for the South African Grand Prix in F1's early days. The track hosted the GP in 1934, 1936, and 1939. After a long break due to World War 2 and redevelopment, the track hosted the event again from 1960 to 1966.

This circuit, along with Kyalami, is one of the country's renowned racetracks. However, reported rumblings regarding South Africa's political ties may have reduced its chances of hosting an F1 race.

#4 Morocco

Besides South Africa, Morocco is one of only two countries to have hosted an F1 race. The country's ties with motorsport date back to 1925, when it hosted the Casablanca GP for touring cars. F1's first visit to this country was in 1958 for the Moroccan GP at Marrakech Street Circuit.

The country is one of the few that could afford to host an F1 race in the upcoming years, and Moroccan authorities have already taken some steps in this direction. The AGS Racing & Events Morocco and FRMSA are launching the first Historic Moroccan GP this year on the Sidi Daoui circuit.

#3 Kyalami, South Africa

Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in South Africa was the front-runner in the bid to bring the pinnacle of motorsport to Africa after 1993. However, recent reports have linked political discomfort with South Africa's ties to Russia as a reason for this being put on the back burner.

As per reports, the Kyalami circuit cemented the deal to bring the F1 race back to Africa last year. Furthermore, it also received a seal of approval from Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Charles Leclerc. However, reported political concerns have set the venue, which hosted Africa's last F1 race, aside for good.

#2 Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar, an autonomous island that is part of Tanzania, has reportedly emerged as one of the leading venues to host an F1 race in the future. Titled the Circuit of East Africa, the region has supposedly received an investment of $550 million from the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) in May 2023.

The proposed location is reported to be on the southwest part of the island located off the coast of Africa. The project has active support from the members of parliament of Tanzania and former Ferrari driver Giancarlo Fisichella is acting as the supervisor. The construction is reported to start in 2025, and completion of the track is set for 2027.

#1 Rwanda

Rwanda's bid to bring Formula 1 to the content stands as strongest after the fall of contract negotiations with the Kyalami circuit in South Africa. According to Christian Gakwaya, president of the National Automobile Club of Rwanda, the country is reportedly prepared and committed to holding an F1 race.

The venue in the Rwandan capital of Kigali recently received a multi-million dollar investment for the proposed circuit. Rwanda is no stranger to global sport as they are one of the principal sponsors for France's PSG football club and England's Arsenal football club. Besides this, the country will host this year's FIA awards ceremony.